How much does a gambling and sports book writer and runner make?
The median gambling and sports book writer and runner in the United States earns $34,980 per year, about $16.82 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all gambling and sports book writers and runners earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 39-3012.
Gambling and sports book writer and runner salary range
Pay for gambling and sports book writers and runners spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $22,090 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $48,270. The average (mean) wage of $36,450 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $22,090 | $10.62 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $28,150 | $13.54 | |
| Median (50th) | $34,980 | $16.82 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $44,840 | $21.56 | |
| 90th percentile | $48,270 | $23.21 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for gambling and sports book writers and runners (SOC 39-3012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Gambling and sports book writer and runner salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Gambling and sports book writers and runners earn the most in New York at $54,740 a year, and the least in West Virginia at $19,740. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $54,740 | 100 |
| New Jersey | $48,260 | 90 |
| Massachusetts | $47,720 | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $47,250 | 80 |
| California | $44,860 | 1,480 |
| Washington | $42,180 | 220 |
| Ohio | $38,460 | 360 |
| Kentucky | $37,910 | 60 |
| Michigan | $37,720 | N/A |
| Nevada | $37,500 | 1,440 |
| Iowa | $37,440 | 100 |
| Arizona | $35,640 | 260 |
| Minnesota | $35,370 | 350 |
| Maryland | $35,230 | N/A |
| Illinois | $34,610 | 130 |
| Colorado | $34,450 | N/A |
| Connecticut | $34,420 | 70 |
| Florida | $34,160 | N/A |
| South Carolina | $33,650 | 130 |
| Indiana | $32,730 | 90 |
| Kansas | $31,550 | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $30,690 | 90 |
| Texas | $30,660 | 440 |
| North Dakota | $30,640 | 110 |
| South Dakota | $30,620 | 80 |
| Nebraska | $29,670 | 360 |
| Mississippi | $28,340 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $26,620 | 180 |
| Montana | $22,030 | 1,050 |
| West Virginia | $19,740 | 180 |
State median wages for gambling and sports book writers and runners (SOC 39-3012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for gambling and sports book writers and runners
The BLS projects employment of gambling and sports book writers and runners to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 9,600 jobs in 2025 moving toward 9,800 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 1,400 openings a year for gambling and sports book writers and runners. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a gambling and sports book writer and runner
The typical entry-level education for gambling and sports book writers and runners is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a gambling and sports book writer and runner earns
Employer, clientele, region, and in many cases tips shape pay. Established professionals in affluent, high cost areas earn near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (New York, $54,740) and the lowest (West Virginia, $19,740) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 8,950 people work as gambling and sports book writers and runners in the United States. At $34,980 a year, the job pays below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Gambling and sports book writer and runner salary FAQ
How much does a gambling and sports book writer and runner make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a gambling and sports book writer and runner is $16.82. The middle half of gambling and sports book writers and runners earn between $13.54 and $21.56 per hour.
What is the highest gambling and sports book writer and runner salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of gambling and sports book writers and runners earn more than $48,270 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a gambling and sports book writer and runner make a year?
The median annual salary for a gambling and sports book writer and runner is $34,980. The average (mean) wage of $36,450 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a gambling and sports book writer and runner a well paid job?
At $34,980 a year, a gambling and sports book writer and runner earns below the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 8,950 people work as gambling and sports book writers and runners in the United States.
Which state pays gambling and sports book writers and runners the most?
New York has the highest median salary for gambling and sports book writers and runners at $54,740 a year. New Jersey ($48,260) and Massachusetts ($47,720) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being a gambling and sports book writer and runner a good career?
Employment of gambling and sports book writers and runners is projected to grow 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 1,400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a gambling and sports book writer and runner?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for gambling and sports book writers and runners as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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